Flange-lubricator for wheels.



W. C. JOHNSON.

FLANGE LUBRICATOR FOR WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC-21,1915.

ml. mu H l r H t JH J W. C. JOHNSON.

GE LUBRICATOR FOR WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC-21,19I5.

FLAN

Patented June 6, 1916.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Q E Q W. C. JOHNSON.

FLANGE LUBRICATOR FOR WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC- 21,1915- Parented June 6, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- a; 9 ll.

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' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM C. JOHNSON, 0F MQKEESPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.

FLANGE-LUBRICATOR FOR WHEELS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 6, 1916.

Application filed December 21, 1915. Serial No. 68,017.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a dispenser of hard or soft lubricant directly upon the bearing flange of a car wheel, whereby the frictional engagement is materially reduced between the wheel and the car track in rounding curves, the feeding of the lubricant being suitably tensioned by accurate controlling means.

A further object of the device is the provision of a wheel flange lubricator ada ted for mounting in connection with any o the traction wheels such as the driving wheels of a locomotive and arranged for automatic operative positioning in Contact with the wheel flange during all of the ordinary service conditions incident to the operation of the rolling stock of the road.

A further object of the device is the provision of an automatically adjustablymounted wheel flange lubricator so arranged as to provide a free movement of the lubricant dispenser suitably to compensate for the different motions present in a carstructure during operation both lateral and radial.

It is also designed in the present device to provide the lubricant dispenser with a means for retaining any excess lubricant, deposited upon the wheel flange, thus conserving the lubricant and being also capable of feeding lubricant after the regular supply within the magazine of the device has become exhausted.

It is further provided in the present flange lubricator to arrange a double spring control for the lubricant ejector, thus providing a substantially constant although positive feed therefor and a further arrangement being presented for maintaining the dispenser.in its operative contact with the wheel flange.

\Vith these general objects in view and others that will appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more l'ul l v described. illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and then claimed.

In the drawings forming a' part of this application and in which like designating characters, referto corresponding parts throughout the several views: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the device operatively positioned for contacting a wheel flange 'and automatically and adjustably mounted upon a spring-carried truck frame. Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal sectional view through the device, a portion of a contacted wheel being shown in section and portions of the mounting means being broken away. Fig. 3 is an inverted end elevational view thereof. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View taken upon line IV"IV of- Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a central longitudinal sectional View through a slightly modified form of the device illustrated in its operative engagement with the wheel flange and withparts broken away. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional detail View of a portion of the device illustrated in Fig. 5, but'taken upon a plane perpendicular to the plane of section of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows detail views of the adjusting members detached. Fig. 8 shows views of the engaging means for the adjusting members detached. Fig. 9 is acentral longitudinal sectional view of an end portion of a modified form of lubricant container. Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a portion of a car wheel showing the lubricant dispenser in operation thereon.

I Fig. 11 is an end view of the flange-engaging member. Fig. 12 is an end view of a modified form of flange-engaging member. Fig.

I 13 is a top plan view of the device in its operative position and carried by an, axlemounted adjustable support, and, Fig. 14 is a side elevation thereof.

It being understood that the present device is designed for applying lubricant to the flange portion of a traction wheel, the same is herein illustrated as operatively mounted with respect to the flange 20 of a locomotive drive wheel 2l having an axle 22 and the usual crank pin 23 for the connecting rod 24. 1

The lubricator herein described is adapted to be mounted rigid with the axle support wherever possible and at which times the supporting brackets illustrated in Figs. 13

and 14 are employed but primarily, the inmovements necessarily incident to such a form of installation.

First referring more especially to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the lubricator therein illustrated is shown adjustably mounted, by

means of the automatic support hereinafter described, upon. a bracket bar 25 secured to the ,car frame member 26 carried by the spring 27 of the spring saddle 28,- which saddle is mounted upon the journal box 29 of the axle 22. A cylindrical container 30 is provided for the lubricant 31 which is preferably in stick form while a tubular ejecting piston 32 is slidably mounted axially within the said container, being provided with a head 33 upon its inner end having a journal packing or gasket 34 thereon for directly engaging the lubricant 31 in the ejecting or dispensing operation. A flange-engaging feed member 35 is slidably mounted upon the outer end of thejcontainer 30, an intervening packing36 being arranged therebetween while the outer end of the feed member 35 is provided with 'a mouth 37 conforming to and adapted frictionally to engage the wheel flange 20. The container 30 is provided with screw threads 38 upon which an adjusting nut 39 is arranged while a helical spring 40 surrounds the container 30 and is tensioned between the nut 39 and the receiving collar 41 upon the adjacent cylindrical end portion of the feed member 35, and. as will be evident, the feed member 35 is held in resilient engagement with the wheel flange being operated upon. The container 30 is provided with a tubular extension 42 at the end thereof opposite the feed member 35, the ejector 32 freely extending through the said extension while a. tensioning member or collar 43 for the ejector 32 is slidably mounted upon the said extension 42. The extension 42 is provided with longi tudinal slots 44 extending through the opposite sides thereof and having flaring mouths 45 at the outer tapered end 46 of the said extension while the ejector 32 is also provided with similar slots 47 and a locking pin 48 is carried by the tensioning collar 43 and extends through the said slots 44 and 47, be ing thus slid-ably positioned therein. Two operating springs are provided for the ejector 32 being positioned within the same, one of said springs 49 having-one end thereof engaging the inner side of the closed end or head 33 of the ejector while the other or smaller and less powerful spring 50 is car ried by a guide cup 51 having its closed end in contact with the aforementioned transverse pin 48. A connector guide 52 extends within the spring 49 and has the outer end thereof in abutting engagement therewith while a finger 5?, carried by the said connector slidably extends within the guide cup 51. By this arrangement it will be seen that both of the springs 49 and 50 may be positioned I under suitable tension within the ejector 32 and between the pin 48 and the ejector head 33., the degree of tension being regulated by the relative position of the tensioning collar 43 with respect to the said ejector head 33. The collar 43 is provided with oppositely-extending handles 54, either one of which may be provided with a ratcheting member adapted for automatic engagement with the annular teeth 55 of the container extension 42. Such a means is herein illustrated in connection with one of the said handles 54 and being in the form of a dog 56 rectangular in cross-section and slidably mounted within an opening 57 at the inner end of the central bore 58 of the said handle, the said dog having a projecting shank 59 extending axially of the bore 58 and slidably extending through a closure cap 60 for the said bore while a projection spring 61 for the said dog encircles the shank 59- and is tensioned between the dog 56 and cap 60. It will be seen that the dog 56 is thus normally resiliently engaging with the extension teeth 55. A releasing cap 62 is carried by the shank 59 having opposite side slots adapted for fitting over the side projections 63 of the cap 60, the said releasing cap 62 being adapted for movement outwardly for engagement with the transverse pin 6d of the shank 59. A further movement of the releasing cap will retract the dog 56 and a slight turn of the cap 62 will engage the inner face of the cap 62 with the lug 63, thus maintaining the dog 56 out of engagement with the extension teeth 55 until the cap 63' is released.-

The automatically adjustable support for the lubricator which is positioned upon the aforementioned bracket bar 25 carried by a part relatively movable with respect to the axle of the wheel to be lubricated will now be described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2 of the-drawings. A split sleeve in the form of a strap 65 is screw-threaded upon the container 30 at a point between the nut 39 and the screw-threaded engagement of the container extension 42, the said strap being provided with a set bolt 66 for locking the lubricator to the support. The strap 65 is provided with a cylindrical journal 67 projecting radially therefronil, while an adjusting head 68 is swingingly mounted upon the journal 67, a spring hin econnection being preferably arranged etween the journal 67 and head 68 with the opposite ends of the spring 10% attached respectively to the said head and journal. A reduced cylindrical portion 105 of the journal 67 is provided within the head 63 and the aforementioned spring 104 is helically arranged around the said journal. portion 105 within the said head. One end of the sprin 104 is anchored as at 106 to the journal 61 while the opposite end of the said spring is posibe regulated by adjusting the other end thereof seated within the desired slot 107 and that the spring thus normally retains the lubricator inclined withthe dispensing end engaging the car wheel flange. An arm 69 is longitudinally slidably mounted upon the bracket bar 25 being retained in its adjusted position thereon by means of set screws 70. The head 68 is provided with a strap 71 through which the arm.69 is slidablv positioned, the head is adapted for different radial adjustments withrespect to the car wheel 21, and being retained in the desired position by means of a set nut 72 carried by the said head strap 71. The journal 67 is provided with. an annular abutment 73 at its inner end acting as a stop for the head 68 while a stop lever 74 .is positioned upon the reduced end 75 of the journal 67 and is secured to the ournal for movement therewith by means of a lock nut 76 and a retaining cotter 77 may be also emplo ed positioned transversely of the said jou nal end 75.

lVith the device assembled as illustrated in Fig. l with the feed member mouth 37 engaging the wheel flange 20 resiliently by means of the sprin 40, it will be noted that the spring hinge 6768 maintains the said feeding mouth at all times in engagement with the wheel flange 20 regardless of the radial relative movements between the lubricatorand the wheel 21. The stop lever '74 is provided with an inwardly projecting finger 78 adapted to engage the adjacent lower edge of the head strap 71 for limiting the swinging movement of the lubricator. The feed member 35 has a squared engaging end portion 79 that extends inwardly the desired distance as shown in Fig. 10, and is provided with oppositely-projecting troughs or flanges 80 upon the side thereof which is positioned in contact with the wheel, the same being adapted to receive any surplus lubricant which overflows from the end of the feed member as best illustrated in Fig. 10 of the drawings, and thereby prevent the lubricant from contacting the tire surface of the wheel. The opposite side of the feed member portion 78 may be also provided with straight flanges 81 if desired, as illustrated in Fig. 12 of the drawings, serving as hand hold members for the feed whereby the same may be manually adjusted. lVhenever the lubricator is to be attached to some part of the car 82 which has no relative movement with respect to the journal box not shown, of the wheel 83 in connection with which the lubricator is employed, the form of manually adjustable bracket illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings is employed, it being understood that the resilient mounting of the bearing member 35 compensates for relative lateral movements while relative radial movements will not be present in this installation. A bracket bar 84 is rigidly secured to the car member 82 and. a strap 85 being slidable thereon is retained in its adjusted position by means of set screws 86. The said strap 85 is provided with a longitudinal slot 87 within which the bolt 88 is adjustably retained by means of a nut 89, the said bolt 88 being carried by a strap of identical construction to the mounting strap 65 illustrated in connection with the automatic form of supporting bracket. By manipulating the set screws 86 and the lock nut 89, the lubricator may be accurately positioned for operation upon the flange 90 of the wheel 83. It will be understood that the combined length of the ejector springs 49 and 50 is longer than the receiving portion of theejector 32 and that the said springs are under slight tension before the pin 48 is positioned through the ejector slots 47. This compensates for any loss of efiiciency in the said springs due to the continued service rendered by the same and also insures the full length of travel of the ejector.

\Vith the device assembled and the lubricant within the container 30, the minimum tension for the ejector 32 is provided by positioning the dog 56 in engagement with the outermost tooth of the container extension 42 as illustrated in the drawings, while a maximum tension is obtained by forcing the collar 43 inwardly upon the extension 42 and engaging the dog 56 with the innermost tooth 55 While it will be evident that different degrees of tension may be provided for the ejector springs by adjusting the dog 56 in engagement with any of the intermediate teeth of the said extension 42. It will thus be understood that by engaging the dog 56 for the maximum feed, the heavier spring 49 will be under full compression while at any desired adjustment the ejector 32 Will be moved for the full length of the feed or until the flared outer end 91 of the ejector 32 engages the end 46 of the container extension 42, and at which time the lubricant will ,be exhausted from the container.

For recharging the device, the releasing cap 62 is pulled outwardly and given a slight turn forret-aining the dog 56 disengaged from the extension teeth 55 and the springs 49 and 50 will force the collar 43 with the pin $9 at the outer end of the ejector slots 17. The ejector may then be withdrawn from the container 30 and this extension 12 and the container again filled with lubricant. The head 33 of the ejector is then slidably positioned through the extension 4:2 for entering the container 30 back of the lubricant 31 and the collar 13 moved inwardly and slidably positioned upon the extension l2, thus compressing the springs 19 and 50 and upon releasing the cap 62, allowing the dog 56 to engage the desired tooth and in which position the device is ready for reuse.

The cup 51 is slightly longer than the lighter spring 50 when the latter is compressed so that the head of the connector 52 engages the said cup 51 and allows the heavier spring 49 at such times to be alone operated. lVith this arrangement, many degrees of pressure and a larger area of adjustment are obtainable for meeting themany conditions of service while in a similar manner more than two may be provided if desired. The desired tension being placed upon the heavier spring d9, the lubricant is fed through the container 30 thereby, and as the tension of the. said heavier spring becomes exhausted, the lighter spring 50 begins its operation at a time where less tension is requiredand thus a substantially uniform feed of the lubricant is provided.

In the arrangement of the device illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawing, the same construction of elements is provided as in the form illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and heretofore described, with the exception of the feed mechanism and the annular portion of the tensioning collar so that it will be unnecessary to again describe the elements thereby duplicated, and one description will suflice for both while the same reference numerals will be employed for like parts. In this form of the invention shown in Fig. 5, the cylindrical container 30 is illustrated as being of slightly greater relative length than that shown in the form illustrated in Fig. 2 although this is not essential while the ex tension 42 of the said container is in all material respects identical to the aforementioned extension 42. The strap forms apart of the form of manually adjustable mounting support as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings. The outer or dis charge end of the container 30 is provided with an inwardly-arranged bushing 92, whereby the lubricant 31 is fed more directly to the wheel flange 20. In Fig. 9, a slightly different form of container 30 is illustrated having a contracted feed end 92' corresponding to the bushing 92 and serving for the same purpose of projecting the lubricant outwardly free of the discharge end of the container. The tensioning collar 43 is slidably arranged upon the container extension 412 and is provided with the oppositely projecting handles 54, one of which contains the ratcheting mechanism heretofore described in connection with Fig. 2 for engaging the extension teeth 55 when the collar 43 is positioned at the desired adjustment. A

feed piston 93 is arranged within the con-' tainer 30 and a follower 9i surrounds the piston 93 and is slidabl-e within the extension 12 and is provided with outwardlyextending arms 95 which project through the side slots 4-1 of the extension -12 and are received within either of three sets of oppositely-arranged notches 96 upon the inner edge of the sleeve 43. A head 97 is provided upon the inner contact end of the piston 93 while a guide sleeve 98 surrounds the said piston and is mounted upon the head 97 for supporting the inner end of a relatively heavy spring 99 which surrounds the said piston. A flanged collar 100 is slidably mounted upon the piston having the outer end of the spring 99 in abutment thereagainst while a sleeve 101 carried by the piston in engagement with the inner end of the follower 94' carries relatively lighter spring 102 whose inner end is engaged with the flange of the aforementioned collar 100 upon the opposite side thereof from the heavier spring 99.

The operation of this form of the device is substantially identical. to that of the preferred form, it being noted however, that the collar 100 and sleeve 101 are in contact with each other for taking all strain otf of the lighter spring 102, when the heavier spring 99 is under full compression. As the force of the heavier spring becomes exhausted near the end of the feed, the lighter spring 102 will take up the operation of projecting the piston 93 accompanied by a consequent separation of the collar 100 and sleeve 101. The adjustment of the tensioning collar l3 upon the extension 12 is identical. to that heretofore described, a cap 103 being arranged upon the free outer end of the piston 93 which engages the outer end 46 of the extension 42, when the lubricant is entirely fed out of the container.

lVhile the form of the invention herein shown and described is what is believed to be the preferred embodiment thereof, it is nevertheless to be understood that various forms, modifications and arrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

lVhat I claim as new is 1. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a lubricant container, an ejector for the lubricant, and a plurality of cooperating operating means of different strengths for the QJQCtOI'.

2. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular container, an ejector for the lubricant slidably positioned in the container, operating means of diflerent strength provided for the ejector, and adjusting means for regulating the action of the said operating means.

3. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular container, an ejector slidably positioned within the container, a plurality of ejectorsprings of different sizes provided for the said ejector and means for regulating the tension of the springs.

4. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular container, an ejector longitudinally slidably positioned within the container axially thereof, a plurality of ejector springs of different sizes provided for the said ejector, spacing means interposed between the said springs, and adjustable tensioning means for the said springs shiftably carried upon the said container.

5. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular container for the lubricant, an elongated ejector for the lubricant slidably positioned axially within the container, and operating springs of different strength for the ejector arranged within the container, the said springs being arranged axially of the container and in axial alinement with each other.

6. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular container for the lubricant, an elongated ejector for the lubricant slidably positioned axially within the container, operating springs of different strength for the ejector arranged within the container in operative engagement with the ejector, the

said springs being arranged axially of the container and in axial alinement with each other, an abutment between the adjacent springs, tension adjusting means for the said springs shiftably positioned upon the said container, and automatic retaining means for the said adjusting means.

7. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a. tubular container, a lubricant ejector longitudinally slidably positioned within the container, a relatively large operating spring for the ejector having one end in contact therewith, a spring positioning member engaging the opposite end of the said spr1ng, a relatively weaker operating spring for the ejector positioned axially of the container in engagement with the spring positioningmember, and tensioning means for both of the said sprin s.

8. A wheel flange ubricator comprising a tubular container, an elongated ejector piston longitudinally slidable within the said container,'relatively weak and strong operating springs for the said piston provided within the said container, the weaker of the said springs being normally retained compressed, the same weaker spring adapted to expand upon a partial exhaustion of the stronger spring.

9. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular lubricant container, a piston ejector for the lubricant longitudinally slidable within the said container, relatively strong and weak operating springs for the said ejector positioned within the said container, the said strong spring normally holding the weak spring compressed during the initial movement of the ejector, the

said weak spring being expanded upon the partial exhaustion of the strong spring during the ejecting operation.

10. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular lubricant container, an elongated ejector for the lubricant axially slidable within the said container, a strong and a weak operating spring for the ejector, the

.said weak spring being normally held tenand expansible upon the partial exhaustion of the strong spring during the ejecting operation, the said springs being axially arranged within the said container and the stronger spring being of greater length and diameter than the weaker spring, and tensioning means for both of the said springs slidably positioned uponthe said container.

12. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular'container, an elongated ejec tor longitudinally slidable within the said container, operating springs of diflerent strength operatively carried by the said ejector, engaging stop means for both of the said springs carried by the said ejector in engagement with eaclrother with the springs fully compressed when the container is initially filled with lubricant with the device in its operative condition.

13. A lubricator for flanges of traction wheels comprising a lubricant container, the container being movable on an arc opposed to the curvature of that portion of the Wheel adjacent the container, a tensioned ejector for the said lubricant, and automatically operative positioning means for the said container.

14. A lubricator for flanges of traction wheels comprising a tubular lubricant container, a flange contact member tensioned upon the outlet end of the said container and movable on a line parallel with the container, an e ector for the lubricant slidably positioned within the said container, operatin means for the said ejector, and automatic positioning means for the said container whereby the said contact member is retained in operative contact with the wheel flange being operated upon during variations in the relative movement of the said wheel and positioning means.

15. A lubricator for the flange of a car wheel comprising a tubular lubricant containcr, a flange contact member carried by the said container, a resiliently controlled ejector for the said lubricant, an adjustable support for the said container, and automatic positioning means for the said container carried by the said support.

16. A lubricator for the flange of a car wheel comprising a tubular lubricant container, a flange contact member carried by the said container, a resiliently controlled ejector for the said lubricant, an adjustable support for the said container, automatic positioning means for the said container carried by the said support, a member relatively movable with respect to said wheel upon which the said support is mounted, and adjustable tensioned operative shifting means for the said flange contact member.

17. A device of the class described com-- prising a flange wheel, a support relatively movable with respect to the said wheel, and a tubular lubricator pivotally carried by the said support in normal engagement with the said flange during the relative movements of the said wheel and support, the

said lubricator being movable on a straight line to and from the wheel flange.

18. A device of the class described comprising a tubular lubricant container, a wheel flange engaging feed member slidably tensioned upon the outlet end of the said container, an adjustable support mounted relatively movable with respect to the Wheel to be operated upon, automatic positioning means for the said container pivotally car ried by the said support, and a lubricant ejector within the said container.

19. A wheel flange lubricator comprising alubricant container, an ejector for the lubricant within the said container, a flange engaging feed member for the lubricant slidably carried by the outlet end of the said. container, and oppositely projecting Wheelengaging base flanges carried by the opposite edges of the said feed member.

20. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a lubricant container, a flange-engaging feed member 'slidably mounted upon the outer end of the said container, lubricant collecting and supporting flanges oppositely carried by the said feed member in normal contact with the wheel being operated upon during the operation of the device.

21. A flange-engaging feed member for wheel flange lubricators comprising a tuba-- lar member having a feed end portion substantially rectangular in cross-section, and oppositely-projecting lubricant collecting flanges carried by the base side of the said member end, the said flanges having longitudinal receiving depressions in the upper faces thereof.

22. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular lubricant dispensing container, :1 flange-engaging teed member slidably mounted upon the said container and pro jecting forwardly of the outlet end thereof, and an annular lubricant engaging choke member associated withthe outlet end of the said container.

23. A device of the class described comprising a tubular lubricant dispenser, a feed member arranged upon the outlet end of the said dispenser, and an annular lubricant re ducing means positioned at said dispenser end.

Ql. A wheel flange lubricator comprising a tubular lubricant container, an ejector for the lubricant within the said container, a flange-engaging feed member longitudinally mo ably tensioned upon the outlet end of the said container and projecting forwardly thereof, and an annular choke ring within the outlet end of the said container in depressing contact with the lubricant during th feeding operation.

25. A wheel flange lubricator including lubricant containing means, and ejecting means for the lubricant, the ejecting means comprising cooperating relatively strong and weak tensioned units.

26. A wheel flange lubricator including lubricant containing means, lubricant dispensing means associated therewith, and means associated with the dispensing means to prevent the spreading of lubricant on the wheel tire.

27. A wheel flange lubricator including lubricant containing means, means carried thereby for directing the lubricant on to the wheel flange, the said means having grooved flanges carried thereby to collect and prevent the spreading of the lubricant on the wheel tire.

28. A wheel flange lubricator including lubricant containing means, means carried thereby for directing the lubricant on to the wheel flange, the lubricant directing means having lubricant collecting side flanges and upwardly positioned flanges constituting handles. I

29. A. lubricator including lubricant-containing means, lubricant directing means. and means for changing the cross-sectional area of the lubricant while passing through the container.

In testimony whereot'l aflix my signature.

WILLIAM c. JOHNSON. 

